Lunele: Goddess of the Moon
[/i] Also known as the Great Moon Spirit and the Lantern of the Night. A beautiful Elf owl said to adorn creamy-gold and white in her feathers, adorning a simple mask of silver. One of her eyes is yellow while the other is white. The white eye has no pupil. She is the guardian of the light of the moon, also helps shed light into the night. In the stories, they say that Lunele was a very intelligent, watchful creature, and what better creature was there to watch over the dark world and keep Tahdrae from making the many creatures lose their way in Unbera's realm. She is constantly trying to prove her worth among the other great gods, since her power is small compared to theirs.
Story: The stars were too dim to give natural light to the creatures of earth. So Etanus molded from one of his feathers the First Owl named Lunele, a female owl. Then Etanus gave her one of his eyes, a shining white eye, so that she can sail the night sky and shed light, which is the Moon. She is also said to be great companions with Unbera, the God of the Night, and also helps him to see through the night. Unfortunately her power is limited, so her eyes open and closes (waxes and wans) every month so she could rest. She sleeps on the night of the new moon, and begins to wake up the following day. Another story involves Lunele and Valo. Long ago, they were bitter rivals, and to this day they constantly chase each other in the heavens. One day, a horrible war broke out between them--Valo calling upon all the creatures that worked and praised the daytime to fight with him, while Lunele called upon all the creatures of the night to come to her aide. This was a time when the sun never rose, and the moon never came to light the sky in the dark. Only Unbera remained, ruling the darkness in silence. So it is said that for 100 years there was total darkness on the planet, causing a few animals to become blind. Etanus grew tired of their affairs, and called for Epoch to come and cease time. "The world is imbalanced, and my children grow confused and blind. I will send Kyralu to lift the bitterness in their hearts and bring harmony among my children once and for all." And it was so, and then the world became balanced once more. Lunele and Valo had forgotten their bitterness and had fallen in love, and it said that during a solar or lunar eclipse, Lunele changes into a lioness--and they forget their duties and mate as one. But since they had caused great distress upon the world, their punishment is just, and are never allowed to be together for too long.
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Maileii: Goddess of Frost [/i] Also known as Winter-runner, and Little Ice. Causes frost to appear in her presence, particularly if she runs. She can also cause temporary cold snaps. Maileii takes the form of a baby polar bear, but with brilliant blue markings all over her body. She is said to be always covered in frost, but because she moves quickly, even when she is sighted this is hard to verify. As the daughter of Chutra and Shromathan, Maileii is known to be both wickedly cruel and extremely playful. She frequently brings frost both early and late, antagonizing mortals who wish to see fair weather. She also enjoys creating cold snaps and loves to help her parents when they seek to begin the cold season.
Story: Maileii, a minor goddess, was created when her parents, Chutra and Shromathan, mated. Chutra and Shromathan together passed a small bit of power unto their daughter.
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Manu: God of Afterlife, Death, and Mortality 
[/i] Also known as The White Raven, Ghost bird, The Soul Collector, Soul Reaper, and Death. A large white raven whose eyes glow bright red when it carries a soul, otherwise it is hollow, black, and empty when it harbors no souls. A silver elaborate mask adorns his face. Said to be genderless, but is often referred to as a "he" or an "it". Another story contradicts since some say that he fathered Tahdrae with Rhan. Much larger than a normal raven, he could be mistaken to as a bird of prey rather than a lowly forager, but this is to show off his status among his kin that he is no ordinary bird. He is said to looking quite old and ugly. Said to have the ability to duplicate himself in an infinite number. He has the ability to gather up the souls of the dead into his beak, and travel between dimensions. He takes the souls to the spirit world where it is said that the god of Judgment will decide who shall be reincarnated (this is where Karasis comes in), sent to the underworld for punishment (Hetis), or ascend to a realm where they may live forever (or a kind of haven, or heaven, for souls. Creator's realm). Said to being a very cynical bird that rarely speaks, but when it does, is heard with having multiple voices that belongs to those that have passed away. It is said that it caws thrice before taking a soul.
Story: For a time, all living things lived for what we see today as an unnaturally long life. As a matter of fact, nothing in the new earth died. Etanus saw that the world was being populated at a rapid rate. Something needed to be done. So he bit his his arm and from it spewed bright red blood. As blood dripped from his arm and started to blossom on the stones he walked upon, a drenched, red bird rose up from the puddle and gave a strangled warble. As the blood cleared away, a white raven was seen clearly, ruffling his feathers and fell silent. He peered up at the great god that created all things, and gave a deep bow of his pale beak. Etanus stared at it with sadness, and quietly told the creature to circle the skies and stretch forth his claws and take the immortal souls that make their bodies live endlessly. "Take them to my country, where paradise reigns forever. And if their hearts are evil, take them to Hetis's realm, where they may be judged and yet cleared of their evil. This is my will, and make it so," said he, before walking away. And with that, Manu lifted his wings and rose above the mortal creatures and took their lives. Their population began to dwindle rapidly. Seeing this, Etanus created Karasis, the god of life, to counter Manu's efforts. Now the population has found a medium. Both Manu and Karasis are symbolic for life and death, and are worshiped insistently by many creatures. Scavengers in particular, like the crow or raven, even vultures celebrate these ravens and speak their name most loyally, even see them as great leaders. Manu harbors no regrets and carries out his purpose relentlessly. Despite Manu's cynical and rather dispassionate nature towards the living, he harbors sadness when he sees the God of Agony carry out his deeds. "An ending to a creature's life should be swift and painless," he would tell his foe, but Agony would only laugh mockingly and continue making the living suffer before the white bird comes to instantly end a life. Stories say that Manu can be felt when there is a sudden chill. Another popular story is that during the Fall, Manu becomes most active in his harassment of mortals--and is said he delights in the delicacy of children. So on October 31st, parents encourage children to dress up into something scary to frighten away Manu, or else he'll come to gobble them up or spirit them away and trap their souls forever. Children may create elaborate masks out of branches and leaves or other things to create a scary effect. Parents may enjoy the festivities as well, but it is most notable as a children's game. Also, much of the foraging animals (mostly birds) such as crows, ravens, and buzzards look to Manu for wisdom since they deal a lot with the dead.
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Mesero: Goddess of Forests and Fertility [/i] Also known as Mother of All, Giver of Seeds, Child-bearer, and First Born. Mesero appears as a great big brown bear and wears a green mask with ear tips that grow up into small, young trees (the mask, not her face). Mesero uses her seeds to bestow children upon those who request her help. It is believed that offering gifts of fruit to her will lessen the complications of birth and grant healthy children. She also walks across the earth and plants new seeds that grow into great, green forests.
Story: When the world was first born, Etanus walked across the barren surface and many believe that his first steps became craters that would fill with oceans and lakes. Etanus' next step created a tree when a part of his hoof broke off and was buried deep in the ground from the weight of his foot. From that first tree, Mesero was born and Etanus looked upon her in wonder and said, "I am but one with the power to create. You who have been born of my seed shall spread life throughout the lands. Help all creatures to bear their future generations so that as time moves on, this earth shall be filled with life." Mesero thought over this for a moment and replied to him, "Then I shall task the daughters and grant them their pups and cubs and strong homes to protect the babes."
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Mitaniee: Goddess of Autumn 
[/i] Sometimes known as Mite. She is notable as a fire-breathing dragon that heralds the coming of Fall, as she makes earth sleep before the goddess Chutra's bitter coming of winter. It is said that she comes on swift wings, breathing her flame upon the earth--her colorful fire is what makes everything change into various colors and fall asleep. Just like all of the gods of the Etanian mythology, she adorns a mask on her face, gold in color. She adorns golden scales and golden markings with burnt-orange scales that glitter in the Autumn sunlight. She is a gentle creature, and usually enjoys relaxing and basking in her colorful creation. Some times she is depicted bearing a crown of colorful Maple leaves and Autumnal berries and acorns on her head.
Story: She was created by the shedding of one of Etanus's great claws. From it molded a dragon that promptly stretched her wings and spat colorful fire that did not burn, but rather, changed the stalks of grass around her into a golden sheen. Pleased, Etanus ordered the dragon to make the world cool down and sleep. When the world sleeps, the trees will change color before shedding their leaves, which signifies to some animals that they must sleep for the winter or they shall die. She was created after the goddess of Spring and Summer. Legend has it that dragons originated from Mitaniee.
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Quinivene: Goddess of Love and Sexuality[/i] Also called Quini, Desire, Passion, and Love. A shapeshifter, Quinivene takes on the form of the most attractive specimen of whatever species sees her; i.e., if a male wolf beholds her, he will see the most beautiful she-wolf he had ever seen; if a female bird sees her, Quini will appear as the most appealing male. Though Quini can appear to be both genders, in stories, she is referred to as female, because it is believed that females are the more deceptive of the two sexes. What she really is, however, is all genders and all forms of sexuality; anything that incites passion. The only thing consistent in all her forms is her rosy eyes, a pale pink that seems to brew crimson passion the longer one looks into them. She can strike passion into the heart of any who sees her; or, she can create passion between two creatures by taking on the form of one of them. Though she looks the same as any creature, she has an extra layer of subtle sexuality that drives any being -- male or female -- crazy. Beyond inciting physical passion, however, Quinivene also knows the stories of all romances in the world, past, present, and future. She knows when a relationship will succeed till death do them part and when it will fail. Sometimes mischievous, sometimes wise, Quinivene is the most frustrating god you will ever have the misfortune to get involved with. She knows more than you do; she always does, even when she acts immature, creating love-spats among the other gods and, when it suits her, among arrogant mortals. Even though she knows the outcome of every relationship and fling and affair, she won't always tell the truth about it.
Story: Oh, Quinivene has always been around, as long as time and creation itself; she just hadn't had a face until Etanus created one for her, so he could know what beauty was. She has since gone where passion goes. It matters not what gender, sexual preference, or kink a person identifies with. If there's a heart that storms with feeling, Quini will be there. She enjoys hanging out (and flirting, of course) with the god of mischief and sometimes has long discussions with the goddess of fate. She will agree to acts of vengeance from spurned lovers more often than she will grant an aching heart reprieve.
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Rhan: Goddess of Fate and Destiny[/i] Passionately called "Bitch" by most; and also known as the Fickle One, Karma, and Destiny. Rhan takes on the form of the great Galapagos turtle with three heads. She has the ability to see ones past, present, and future and make her own form of justice. What one deserves, maybe what one gets. Its all up to her. Each head has the ability to see one of three things: the past, present, and future actions of any individual. This form symbolizes many things. One, no matter how fast you are, time and fate always has a way of catching up with you. Its just a matter of how long it takes. Two, the shell on her back represents the fact that no matter what, you cannot break your fate. Rhan does not like being crossed by anyone and while she allows for some temporary luck and misfortune, in the end she will not be crossed. No one can run from fate, and she makes sure all of them know that.
Story: She was created from Etanus's inner-eye for the purpose of bringing forth everyone's fate. There are many stories revolving around her, especially in the story of other gods who also are not excluded from destiny. The story of Rhan teaches youngsters that she has a destiny in store for them, and they must learn to accept it as either a curse or a blessing.
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Seranthia: Goddess of Wind and Air[/i] Also called the Breeze, the Gale, and the Hurricane. Seranthia is seen as a beautiful bird with white and silver feathers made of moving, fluttering air. Her size will change depending on her emotions and the kind of wind she emits; she can be as small as a sparrow when she's just causing a lazy little zephyr, or as large as one of those legendary rocs when she's causing a fierce gale or storm. She flies around and every pump of her air-wings sends wind traveling throughout the land. Whenever she is feeling emotional or passionate (could be anything from anger and frustration to overpowering love), her wing-flaps become stronger and she ends up creating strong gales and wind chill, or even a storm. She embodies all directions of the wind: the chilly north, the warm and comforting south, the quick and powerful west, and the lazy east. It all depends on her mood, or what season it is, or both. Most of the time, she is sweet, kind, friendly, and all-around pleasant to be around. Her favorite pastime is simply to fly around through the land, exploring every portion of the world she can. She even has a playful and mischievous streak when she's in the mood for it. She can get very agitated or emotional, however, and her wrath is most keenly felt by victims of hurricanes or sea-storms. She likes to hang out most with the God of the Sea, the Goddess of Winter, and the God of Thunder.
Story: Seranthia originated from Etanus's first breath upon the world. From that moment, she crystallized into the form she is known for. She started out as the Breeze. But there came a time when she had to defend herself against Itukka, the God of Thunder, who became seriously attracted to her. She became larger and stronger, becoming the Gale, and when he would pursue her, she would avoid him. To this day, she likes him as a friend but is always dancing about him, playing a game and making him chase her, amused by his efforts. That is how the presence of so much wind during thunderstorms is explained. Thanks to mischief from Quinivene, the goddess of love, Seranthia once fell for the cold heart of Shromathan, god of ice. But when he rejected her, she flew into a rage, traveling from the northern tip of the world to the southern tip in a whirling windstorm. In the cold temperatures, she became the first Blizzard, and in the tropical climates, she became the first Hurricane. Since then, she avoids Love as much as she can.
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Shimiri: Goddess of Color, the Dawn, and the Sunset[/i] Also called the Living Brush, the Bringer of the Day, and the Herald of the Night. Shimiri takes the form of a white mare with a mane and tail that constantly change color. She also tends to glow, brightening everything around her. Can create, manipulate, and shift colors at will. She paints the colors of every creature born, every plant that grows, and the hue of the light. It is also her responsibility to paint the sky in preparation for the coming of both night and day. Kind and usually benevolent, but can be a trickster as well. She enjoys playing with the appearance of things around her, and causing creatures to doubt their own eyes. Shimiri also has a wicked sense of humor, and sometimes gives creatures horrendous coloration just for fun.
Story: Shimiri was born from a print Etanus made in the sand when he first landed on the new planet he created. He saw that the earth looked colorless and dull. When a beautiful mare sprang from his print in the sand, Etanus smiled proudly and asked for the mare to make the world beautiful with all the colors she adorns so that all things may enjoy their lives. Her tail formed into a brush so that she might paint all things. She colored the world, and when the colors of new things must be decided, it is she who paints them.
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Shromathan: God of Ice[/i] Also called the Ice-bringer and White Death. Shromathan takes two forms: that of a giant polar bear to match his mate, and that of a colossal white dragon, capable of both flying and swimming. In both forms, spikes of ice adorn the backs of his legs, and in his dragon form, they also line his back. He can form ice anywhere and at any time. He also has the ability to freeze any given object solid. Generally mellow, but given to violent rages in which he will freeze anything and everything in his path.
Story: Shromathan was created as a mate for Chutra when it was found that she did not want to control all the aspects of winter, because she was desperately lonely. He accepted, and now bears the responsibility of freezing the earth every winter. Some stories connect him and Mitaniee as well, for it is said that Shromathan is the son of the Autumn goddess.
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Sidenya: Goddess of Stealth, Agility, and Speed[/i] Also called The Quiet One, Silent Stalker, Swift Huntress, and the Fleet-footed Goddess. Generally seen as a stringy, long legged sorrel colored mare with splotches of white in her short coat. Her eyes are golden. Her hooves are said to be made of stars and have a silver appearance. Her mane is made up of autumn colored bird feathers peppered with white and she has feathers adorning the backs of her legs. Her tail is long and wispy. Adorning her chest and head are beautiful, dainty silver chains with earth colored beads and turquoise accents. She stalks through the forest unseen, unheard, and not scented by most. The few that do see her tell of her as being amazing and beautiful; the swiftest, quietest creature they'd ever laid eyes on. Stories tell of her running like a blur even through the rockiest terrain, never losing her footing and never falling out of step. Both carnivores and herbivores look to her for good luck and sure footing. When she runs it is said that stars are left in her wake to shimmer and die above the ground on which she tread.
Story: There is one story that tells of how Etanus streaked across the heavens, creating both a beautiful sorrel mare and a flighty otter. The mare whinnied loudly and raced with her Creator, and seeing how fleet-footed she was, asked her to become master over all those seeking guidance in stealth, agility, and speed, for the hunter and hunted of earth needed such skills to survive. The otter, in the meantime, was the Star Goddess Kital to create all the stars in the vast, heavenly skies. In some stories, they are said to be siblings.
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Siberian: God of Secrets 
[/i] Passionately known as the Sigh. He is a fox that never speaks, and is very elusive and shy. Said be the son of Itukka, the god of Thunder, or else a creation of his. He dons a plain black mask.
Story: One night, the Thunder god Itukka ravaged a forest and struck an oak tree. The tree, once tall and magnificent, burst into flames. From the blue fire emerged a ghostly pale fox with eyes the same color as the fire that bore it. Legends say that Siberian was born to keep the secrets of the world, or perhaps was born to keep a dark secret that Itukka held deep inside. Another legend states that to catch the Sigh, one would know all the secrets of the world.
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Somnayla: Goddess of Sleep[/i] Also called Wink, Nod, and Sandman. She takes on the form of a petite deer. Her coat is a deep brown with the traditional white spots and tail. She is much shorter than her mate, the Dream god Toreinos, but all the same, the two of them together are fitting. Her doe eyes are wide and are a milky gray, an indication that she cannot see. This loss of sight is fully an advantage though, she does not pass judgment on the others dreams nor is she scarred and traumatize by what dreams her mate gives out. Is able to bring sleep to all those who need it. All she has to do is bring a simple kiss to the others forehead to let them go off to sleep. How they sleep though is another factor she is able to control; restless and paranoid, soundless, or if she so chose it no sleep at all. Just like her mate, she is patient and calm with the world around her. Though she has powers, she often shies behind her mate, letting him fight whatever dangers maybe approaching as well as using him for a shield just in case. He is her rock and she allows him to let everyone know that. She is more so loving, but if defied she can and will make sure one suffers through her wrath, not only from sleep but with nightmares as well.
Story: Etanus saw his creations fall tired and weak. He fell into a deep sleep, and from his sleep, was Somnayla born. Etanus woke up and what he saw greatly pleased him. He asked her to go forth and let his children sleep, for they are weak and tired. And when they are well rested, their energy shall be regained once more.
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Tahdrae: Goddess of Travel and the Lost[/i] Also known as Lady Manyfaces and the Wandering Guide. Tahdrae can take many forms, but her favorite is said to be a white stag, with exceptionally twisted antlers. She wears a beautiful mask in all her forms, engraved with black, gray, and blue patterns. No matter which form she takes, her face and eyes are always completely hidden by the mask. Tahdrae's personality varies drastically depending upon the situation. She can be cruel and vindictive to some, and incredibly benevolent to others. Much of the time she is extremely cruel when deciding the destinations of lost creatures, but occasionally one beast or another will interest her, and she will begin to follow their destinies from afar. Often she is wickedly cruel, and enjoys leading mortals to their deaths. She is said to sometimes speak to them, as well, and in these rare cases, she will ask the chosen creature questions without answers. Based on her liking of the mortal, she will then lead them into either peril or paradise.
Story: Some stories claim that she is the daughter of the goddess Rhan for the purpose of carrying out her destiny for others. Other stories say that Manu helped father Tahdrae and bore Rhan a daughter, which explains why Tahdrae is drawn to death. Tahdrae was born when the first lost traveler fell to his death from a precipice, and before Manu took his soul, she breathed in the mortal's fear and sorrow. So intoxicated was she that she chose to alter creatures' paths to lead them to their deaths unless she thought them deserving of life. Since her birth, she has been addicted to the taste of death, and frequently appears when creatures die lost and alone, so that she can taste their last moments before Manu takes their souls.
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Toreinos: God of Dreams and Nightmares 
[/i] Also called The Night-Walker, the Messenger, the Prophet, Dream, and Nightmare. A towering, powerful-looking moose with enormous antlers. Each antler bears a swirl of energy; the right is full of dark energy of nightmares, the left a pleasant silver-white-bluish color of good dreams. They are constantly shifting and spinning quickly, and if any mortal looked at the antlers directly, they would easily go insane with what they would see. Toreinos' pelt is not brown like a typical moose's, but rather deep black, blending in with night and with shadows. Even if he were to be seen, one might only make out a bare silhouette and those chaotic antlers. He is mostly invisible and silent as he passes through all the minds of the creatures. Mated to Somnayla, Goddess of Sleep, Toreinos quietly walks with her every night when all fall asleep and brings visions of remarkable range to the resting mind of each creature. In one antler he holds all the pleasant dreams; in the other, the nightmares and more aggressive or disturbing dreams. It's not clear how he decides who receives which type of dream, but as he passes each creature, he lowers his head and allows a dream to escape and dive into the mind of that creature. He can also act as a messenger from the higher beings, bringing premonitions or prophetic visions to whomever. A quiet sort of fellow, Toreinos rarely communicates with anyone except his beloved mate Somnayla. He is very patient and calm, but don't underestimate his strength, for he can bear the wildest of dreams and nightmares in his antlers; visions that would make any mortal tremble. He might appear in one's dream if he is delivering a message, but even then he will speak minimally. His voice, when heard, is both soft and commanding; it is impossible not to pay attention to him when he wants it. But he will only speak to a mortal when it is gravely important.
Story: Legend states that Somnayla fell asleep. A creature of darkness materialized in her sleep, and spoke to her, saying that he was the god of dreams, and was born from her thoughts.
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Tsuin Kihaku: Goddess of Justice, Judgment, Punishment, and Gateways[/i] One half of her is black while the other is white. She is commonly believed to look like a human who wears a black and white, very decorative mask.
Story: Etanus created Tsuin and Kihaku as two separate entities at first. Then, Etanus pulled them together and formed a singular entity, strange but also an intriguingly beautiful goddess. Pleased by what he saw, he asked Tsuin Kihaku to live in Akunikai and pass judgment on all the souls who arrive there from Manu. She obliged, and like Manu, relentlessly passes her judgment on all souls. She also harbors the keys to the gateways to the Realm of Light where Etanus rules or the Realm of Chaos, where Hetis rules.
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Unbera: God of Night[/i] Also called the Night-runner. A black panther that adorns a detailed mask. As Unbera runs across the land he brings nightfall. When he becomes tired and misses the moon goddess Lunele, he will run away from the light of the sun and the night sky will chase after him, creating the darkness of night.
Story: Unbera was born from Etanus, who shed a tear when he one day stared too long into the sun. It was not a tear of sorrow, but simply one to keep his eyes from drying out and when the tear fell to Etanus' claws, it became Unbera. His fur was of the deepest black because he had fallen into Etanus' shadow, so because of this he disliked the heat of direct sunlight and hid beneath the great creator. Etanus asked him what was wrong and Unbera told him, "This world is beautiful, but I must admit that the sun is too strong for one such as me." So Etanus told him, "Then as the tear that relieved my eyes, you may give this world a time of relief as well." So every evening, when Unbera can no longer stand the heat of the sun, he runs away from the sunlight causing the darkness of night to chase him across the sky and gives the world a time of quiet and tranquility where nocturnal creatures can come out and animals of the day can meet the gods of sleep and dreams.
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Valo: God of the Sun[/i] Valo is seen as a grand lion, twice the size of a normal lion of the savannah. A brilliant golden mask adorns his face, encased in spikes and the light of the sun.
Story: Valo was one of the first gods that Etanus created. From the light emanating from the Creation god's body, a lion leaped from the light and shone with an even brighter light. Etanus said to him, "Ascend to the highest point in the sky, Valo, and shine your might upon all of the world that I will make." Valo rose from the growing earth and plucked out his eye. The eye has since illuminated the land. He constantly watches the world as his eye (the sun) revolves around the earth, bringing with it his warmth. When the black panther of the night resisted his light for the first time he roared and chased the darkness away, but every evening when Valo drifts to sleep on the western horizon, the god of the night comes back to hide the world in darkness once more.
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Zyphus: God of Laughter[/i] Also called the Laughing God, the Mockingbird, the Hyena, and the Masquerade Dog. Zyphus takes the shapes of the northern mockingbird and the spotted hyena. In his hyena shape, he wears a white mask with markings of every shade of color. He is literally in every humorous situation. He decides what certain beings find amusing, and whether they have a good sense of humor or not. Zyphus is a cynical god, though good-natured under his exterior. He reflects his moods in the senses of humor in beings. He will laugh at just about anything.
Story: He was born from the first chuckle Etanus emitted. The laughter materialized into Zyphus, and Etanus said, "Go forth, my spirited son, and spread laughter among the world."
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